You’ve retired from your career, and you’re looking for new ways to stay busy and give back to your community. Is volunteering the right option? Do organizations want to receive help from seniors?
According to the Bureau of Labor, men and women over the age of 65 make up the largest percentile of typical volunteers. Not only do you still have plenty to offer, but you’re bound to meet other seniors while volunteering.
How can you find the right volunteer work after retirement? We’re here to offer useful tips and insight into Towson volunteer jobs for retirees. Read on for more.
Why Volunteer as a Senior?
Why do seniors make up such a large percentage of volunteers? There are some significant benefits of building post-retirement careers out of volunteer work that we’ll discuss below.
Physical and Mental Health Benefits
A study published by the National Library of Medicine followed a large group of seniors for four years. The researchers found that those who participated in volunteer work showed:
- Reduced risk of mortality
- Reduced risk of physical mobility limitations
- Better psychosocial outcomes (e.g., better affect, lower rates of depression, etc.)
In other words, volunteering can have a positive impact on your physical and mental health.
Building Connections in the Community
When you move into a community like Seaton Towson, we encourage you to participate in senior living activities and get to know your neighbors. Volunteering can help you create connections in the wider Towson community, as well.
Keeping isolation at bay is a great way to support your mental health. Volunteering can also open the door to senior employment opportunities if you’re looking for supplemental retirement income ideas.
Choosing the Right Type of Volunteer Work After Retirement
You know you want to volunteer, but you’re not sure where to get started. Here are a few tips that will help you find the best volunteer work after retirement to suit your skills and goals.
Consider Your Skills and Interests
Volunteering gives you the opportunity to pursue your passions and put your skills to use. Ask yourself questions like:
- What knowledge do I possess, and how can it help others?
- What work experience do I have that I still want to take advantage of?
- How do local opportunities align with my passions and hobbies?
- If I could work in any field, what would I choose?
Volunteering also allows you to develop new skills, so don’t hesitate to branch out of your comfort zone. You can always attend training sessions or interest meetings to decide if you’re ready to sign up and get started.
Evaluate Your Availability
How much time do you have to devote to volunteering? While many volunteer opportunities are flexible, some organizations may expect their volunteers to put in a certain number of hours each week.
Working seniors and seniors with disabilities should pay close attention to expectations and requirements before signing up to volunteer. Overcommitting can lead to feelings of fatigue and burnout, which can take a toll on your mental and physical health.
Verify Organizations Before Signing Up
Some volunteer opportunities come from well-known organizations like the YMCA, SPCA, or Meals on Wheels. If you’re looking at an organization you’ve never heard of, do a bit of research before making any commitments.
One way to make sure you’re pursuing a legitimate organization is by looking them up on volunteer websites like Volunteer Match. You can also talk to friends and neighbors about the volunteer work they’ve done. Avoid sharing personal information online until you know that a website is trustworthy.
Towson Volunteer Jobs for Retirees
There are tons of opportunities for seniors right here in Towson. Here are a few ideas to help you get started.
Public Institutions
Government-sponsored institutions are often in need of volunteers. You can often find well-structured volunteer programs at:
- The Towson Branch of the Baltimore County Public Library
- Baltimore County Public Schools
- Local political offices (e.g., the Baltimore governor’s office)
To volunteer for public institutions, you may need to complete training sessions offered at certain times of the year. For example, BCPS training is available each summer.
Mentorship Programs
Do you have a passion for working with young people and want to help them achieve their goals in life? If so, you may enjoy taking on a mentorship role through a Towson or Baltimore organization such as:
- Sisters Circle (serving middle and high school girls)
- Maryland New Directions (serving adults looking for career growth)
- SCORE Greater Baltimore (serving local entrepreneurs)
Mentorship opportunities allow you to share the knowledge you’ve gained with the next generation to foster community success.
Health and Wellness Organizations
Maybe you have a background in healthcare or want to support community members facing specific health challenges. Talk to local hospitals about volunteer opportunities or check out organizations like:
- Revival Home Health and Hospice
- Moveable Feast
- Immune Deficiency Foundation
Roles can vary from hands-on meal deliveries to fundraising. Make sure that the volunteer opportunity you pursue won’t interfere with your own health and well-being (i.e., working around illness with an immune disorder).
Outdoor Opportunities
Volunteering is a great way to get outdoors and stay active. There are plenty of Towson-area organizations that focus on animal welfare and environmental conservation, including:
- Blue Water Baltimore
- Baltimore Humane Society
- Howard County Conservancy
Many of these organizations host events like park cleanups or fundraisers, allowing volunteers to participate without making a huge time commitment.
Join a Community of Givers at Seaton Towson
Finding volunteer work after retirement is a great way to stay active in the community while supporting your physical and mental health. Our seniors at Seaton Towson have ample opportunities to give back to Towson’s vibrant community, and many of our residents are active volunteers.
Seaton Towson offers the perfect balance of assisted living and exciting amenities, like our exclusive activity and dining programs. Our residents get the support they need each day to make the most of their retirement years. Schedule a tour to find out if our active assisted living community is right for you.
